Is It Okay to Suggest CBD For Depression?

Depression can be life-threatening. In fact, some statistics show it is the 2nd largest cause of death in America for young adults. and almost 300 million people are said to have it. Medications and therapy may be helpful to them. Is it okay as a friend or family member to give advice and suggestions?

Depression is a psychological illness that affects your mood. It may appear as an intense feeling of sadness, worthlessness, hopelessness, or emptiness. For many individuals, it is hard for them to admit this intense feeling of sorrow, so they try to hide it. There are many risk factors that may lead to clinical depression, including environment, genetics, physical conditions, and other mental illnesses. Symptoms may differ by individual and subtype.

Subtypes of Depresssion

Depression can be broken up into different types. Each category may present differently. A doctor treating a depressed patient will categorize them by their symptoms and warning signs.

MDD or (Major Depressive Disorder): This is a serious and chronic form of depression.

Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia): This type of depression is not as bad as a MDD but it can take over someone’s life for a number of years without treatment. People with this condition can seem sad, obviously, but also very dark and distant.

Depression not otherwise specified (DNOS): This type often continues for two days to two weeks. Conditions related to this disorder include:

Depression due to another medical condition

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Premenstrual or postpartum

Common Symptoms of Depression

Symptoms and treatments may vary depending on the person. People with depression may experience negative bodily impacts, physically and emotionally. Severity is determined by the number of symptoms you have, the stronger they are, the length they’ve lasted. The symptoms of depression include:

It is normal to have some of these symptoms, from time to time. However, if you have 5 or more of these symptoms regularly, you should see a mental health professional.

Possible Treatments for Major Depressive Disorder

There are a range of antidepressants drugs typically prescribed to people diagnosed with depression. The most common prescriptions are:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): These are the most commonly prescribed antidepressant. These medications can decrease the serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin can affect the mood of a person. Research shows an imbalance may result in clinical depression.

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): These medications help maintain the serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain.

Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs): Another antidepressant drug that works with the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. If there are abnormalities with the neurotransmitters it may lead to mood disorders.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs): These are another medication used as antidepressants. They are mainly used if SSRI’s and SNRI’s don’t work.

Noradrenergic antagonist: These prescriptions may work better with treatment like psychotherapy (talk therapy) or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). These medications are most commonly used to treat mood disorders, including major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder.

CBD as a Potential Treatments for Depsression

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in the cannabis sativa plant. Unlike THC (another compound found in cannabis plant) CBD is non-psychoactive. It does not produce a “high” feeling. According to some studies, CBD can provide a significant impact on those suffering from depression. CBD has the potential to work as an antidepressant and anxiolytic.

When discussing CBD, we first must understand the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is one of the essential systems of the body. Once cannabidiol is ingested into the body, it binds with the endocannabinoid receptors. The primary receptors are CB1 and CB2. CB1 is typically found in the central nervous system. CB2 which is located in the immune system and peripheral nervous system. CBD’s interaction with the ECS promotes homeostasis in the body. It can regulate mood, appetite, sleep, and many other functions.

CBD oil does not necessarily cure depression. However, there are 5 ways in which CBD can help. Therefore, it can manage your symptoms of depression. Studies show that CBD interacts with the hippocampus of the brain. It inhibits the chemical reactors that can cause anxiety and depression.

Is It Okay to Suggest CBD?

Since CBD is considered as a safe compound, suggesting it for depression is not bad. However, for medical cases like depression, it is a serious matter that needs medical attention. Furthermore, the FDA has not approved cannabis and other compounds related to this plant as a substitute drug. It is best to consider the legalization of the product in your country or state.

Depression is quite alarming and needs medical attention. Treatment and medications might work for some but not other. Symptoms affect their daily lives. You should first advise a person with symptoms to consult their physician. This illness is severe. As they may need someone to rely on, listening and being supportive might be more helpful than advice. In older adults, depressive symptoms could be signs for a more serious condition.

You can certainly encourage they read materials on how CBD or cannabis may treat depression. Suggesting medication could be risky because treatment is not a “one-fits-all”. It is important to let them talk to their doctors, so they can get the therapy and medications they need.